Galatians! Today’s reading covers the first three chapters of Galatians. Every time I read this epistle, I marvel at God’s goodness. Salvation is the gift of God, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!
Man, however, is incurably religious. His pride meshes seamlessly with trying to protect his religion, by which he assumes he attains favor with God. Paul describes how this had taken over his life; You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:13–14, NLT)
On top of this, man loves to suppose he has some part in salvation. This arrogance is seen in the idea that he must “do” something, even though Christ has “done” all. Paul asked the Galatians a pointed question. I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. (Galatians 3:5, NLT) Justification is not by works; it is by faith.
How, then, is this not the goodness of God? Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:14, NLT) Believers, let us rejoice that our salvation is the gift of God, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! May the simplicity of His Gospel remain our joy and confidence, for we have been justified by faith, not by works.
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Galatians 1-3.